Letter case
18th century
Classification
costume & accessories
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Gift of Eleanor and Sarah Hewitt
Accession Number
1923-22-81
About this artwork
Research in Progress
Art Historical Context
This elegant 18th-century letter, part of the Smithsonian American Art's costume and accessories collection, offers a glimpse into the personal world of everyday refinement during the Enlightenment era. Crafted anonymously in an era when letter writing was a cherished social ritual—especially among the genteel classes—this small, portable accessory was designed to safeguard folded correspondence, love letters, or important documents. Its classification underscores how such items blurred the line between utility and ornament, reflecting the period's growing emphasis on personal expression throu...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...